Tuesday, July 8, 2014

The Underground Church

Fr. Dale Matson

I sat in my doctor’s examination room today, expecting the
usual back and forth, polite but non-productive banter. He is not always a good
listener. During the usual prolonged waiting, I was also thinking of how our
country was slipping into an anti Christian stance. I am not accustomed to it. When
I was young, we even had blue laws in Detroit that closed businesses on Sunday.
Time Magazine referred to Madalyn Murray O'Hair as the most hated woman in
1964. She would be mainstream in today’s world. It unsettles me when I think
about the future for Christians.

My doctor was not the one with gentle rapping on the exam
room door. Instead, I was greeted by the nurse practitioner. She introduced
herself with what sounded like a Russian accent. We chatted about my anemia problems.
I felt like I needed to get her up to speed on my ongoing issues. I was also
curious about her accent. I said, “Did you come here from Russia? Are you
Russian? She said, “I am Russian and Ukrainian.” “You must be very concerned
about what is going on in the Ukraine.” She said, “I still have relatives there
and pray for them and the Ukraine every day.” I said, “Are you Russian Orthodox
or Pentecostal?” “No, I am Baptist. We are like the Pentecostals but we don't
speak in tongues. My career was cut short in the Soviet Union because I would
not join the party; the Communist Party. I am a Christian and it meant that there
was persecution. Many suffered for the faith. We were careful not to publicly
mention the name Jesus to someone we did not know. We have it good here though.”
I said, “Perhaps but it may change yet in my lifetime. We hope our laws of free
speech will not be misinterpreted. There are already words that cannot be
mentioned. People can be charged with hate speech.”

As we talked, I felt a bit guilty that others were waiting
to be seen. I moved to get closure on the medical reason for the visit and
closure on our conversation. It was very evident to me however that here was
two Christians talking to one another who had never met yet there was total
candor and honest heartfelt conversation. “I will pray for you, Russia and the
Ukraine.” She said to me, “God Bless You.” I responded that I was an Anglican
Priest and gave her a ‘Priestly’ blessing with my hand. We shook hands goodbye.

I am sure thousands and thousands of these conversations go on every day across the
country in professional settings. It is two or more gathering together. It is the underground church convened by the Holy Spirit. I made a point of writing her name in my
journal. If only I was as careful about remembering the names of the other new
folks I meet. I went to church today in my doctor’s examination room.

1 comment:

Had a few of those this week. Patients often need to be the ones to break the ice on the spiritual aspect of healthcare because a healthcare provider may be hesitant to do so in the current environment.

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